UBCM AND PROVINCE AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER ON RESORTS

VICTORIA - The provincial government and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) have agreed to work co-operatively on resort development to create employment and economic opportunities throughout British Columbia.

"This is great news for all British Columbians," said Minister of State for Resort Development Sandy Santori. "By working with local governments we can realize common goals that support jobs in B.C. communities and put more money into local economies."

The Province and UBCM have agreed to jointly participate in the work of the municipal sub-committee of the Resort Task Force and to work to ensure local, regional and provincial interests are considered in the following:

* The Sequencing Project which examines the planning, servicing and governance issues involved in the transition from a resort proposal to a fully functioning resort community.

* The Best Practices Guide that provides both emerging and established resort communities with the tools to reach their goals efficiently.

* The Municipal/Crown Land Linkage Project that harmonizes provincial and local government major resort project review mechanisms, including the Commercial Alpine Ski Policy and local government planning and zoning processes.

"By working together we can manage resort development in a more efficient and effective manner," said Frank Leonard, chair of UBCM. "This will improve the investment climate for resort development in B.C. and promote sustainable communities."

 

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Contact:

Rena Kendall-Craden
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development
250 952-0152